What Leeds Athletic Netball Club has achieved over the last few months is unbelievable – 14 teams back training and playing in COVID secure environments, girls doing what they love with friends. The physical and mental benefits to our children of what has been achieved by a group of volunteers is unmeasurable.

We now need your help..

Leeds Athletic are hoping to raise £2000 from a crowd funding page to keep us going through the 2020/21 season, unbelievably the money we raise at the moment could be matched by Sport England giving us £4000 to put towards Covid expenses and club development.

We need prizes/rewards to put on the crowd funding page, the idea being that people pledge money for the prizes.

If you are in a position to offer services, kit, signed netball stuff, discount from a product or service please contact our fund raising manager Sarah Gould mailto:sarah@monsterpetsupplies.co.uk.

The motivation is to raise money for our club, but it can also benefit the provider through advertising and gaining new customers. See below for an example of a similar scheme, it may give you ideas for a way in that you or a friend, relative, neighbour or colleague may wish to donate. 
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/coventrians-rfc
​
It is hoped the crowd funding page will be up and running on Monday so please be inspired quickly. Additions to the page can be made after the page has been initiated so don’t worry if the deadline is too soon new items can be added as we go along. 

“Show your support to keep us on court”

As we navigate through these unusual time’s we wanted to remind you that whilst we want our athletes to partake in as many training sessions and matches as possible, we need everyone to remember that health and safety comes first.

With that in mind if there are any instances in your household or school bubbles you must abide by the rules and stay away.  We know how keen you are to be involved but you’ll be back before you know it and we look forward to seeing you when you return. This way we can keep everyone safe and play our part as a club and community.

If you have any doubt about whether you should or shouldn’t attend please contact one of your age group Team Covid Officer who will advise you.

These are your Team Covid Officers, your team admin will shortly send out their contact details. 

U11 Sunday
Natasha Luther-Jones
Lexy Johnson

U11 Tuesday
Vanessa Webber
Esther Strudwick

Under 12
Keith Mortis
Charlene Lyons

Under 14
Alison Young
Ruth Glennan
Sarah Gould (product supply)

Under 14 Wednesday
Sarah Samuel

Under 16
Kathryn Bedford
Abi Bentley

Seniors
Lisa Gorton
Sarah Lockett

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticne

​Well it wasn’t without a few problems but we are back training. It was great to see so many smiling faces. 

TRAINING
Training sessions are all up and running now. Some times will change depending on the current Covid situation. Hopefully more venues will open and normal training times will resume. 

VENUES
Many teams and leagues are struggling to find places to set up their netball provision. We are extremely fortunate not only to have all our teams training but to have secured indoor facilities. Please continue to respect the rules in place to keep yourselves safe and respect the venue protocols. 

FEES
Leeds Athletic fees are now overdue, please ensure you have paid them directly into our bank account -

• NatWest
• Sort Code - 54-21-60
• Account number - 31872190

All deposits need the athletes name or a dedicated reference. 

​Hello new members and welcome back all athletes and supporters to Leeds Athletic Netball Club. 
 
TRIALS
Our trials season is coming to an end, just the late trialists to be seen and round it all off. The selectors were impressed with the talented athletes at trials and are looking forward to challenges the new season will bring. Hopefully on court and not at the sanitising station. 
 
TRAINING
Currently our training venues are adapting to new legislation and are not fully operational. So training may change week to week inside, outside, time and venue, although every attempt will be made to stick to the same day. Training times for September will be announced at the weekend. 
Please check with your team admin if you are unsure of training information.  As soon as permanent training venues, times and coaches are confirmed, notifications will be made by e-mail and the google calendar will be populated with as much information as we have available to us. 

Well it’s been so long since there was any LANC news to report, but here goes!

TRAINING 5:1
From 22nd June the intention is to resume some form of training the coaches are working hard to find suitable safe venues. 5 players to 1 coach in various venues, grouping will be difficult so please bear with us selection may be based on your location  or court position.  Your coach will send an e mail informing you about each session as the time and venues may vary week to week.  Let the coach know immediately if you cannot attend 
Please see the attached Covid 19 policies for players, parents and coaches, plus guidelines on hand washing. Everyone has a responsibility to read these and abide by the guidelines to ensure sport can continue to be delivered. 
Main pointers

• Athletes need their own sanitised netball. 
• Good hand hygiene must be observed. 
• Phones should only be used during or after netball practise after using sanitiser. 
• Stay 2m from others. 
• Use any one way system correctly. 

DISNEY
Sadly the Disney trip was cancelled however Sport Experience have eventually returned our money. Parents should be contacting Mark Boocock to obtain their refund. Many thanks to Fiona Bertenshaw, Catriona Astbury, Carmel Bell and Alison Young for their help with this painful process. 

NATIONALS
England netball are still intending to run the National clubs competition U14 on 29th and 30th August In Newcastle and U16 on 22nd and 23rd August in Redbridge. For us to be in contention for this competition athletes need to be maintaining fitness, attend all 5:1 sessions available to them and moving forward attend squad training in July and August once Government guidelines allow. 

The Regional qualification round was not complete on lockdown with only 5/9 matches completed. There are arrangements in place to determine which teams qualify for National Finals.   

If full netball training resumes before 19th June the matches will be  completed over a three week period 11-25th July. 
​
If full training is resumed after 19th June but before 29th June then a tournament will be held on 18th and 19th July to determine first and second placing. 

If the tournament can’t go ahead because training does not return until after 29th June the placings will be decided on average league points for the unplaced matches. At present both our teams are well placed to qualify. 

Please U14 and U16 athletes ensure that you are available for those essential competition dates. 

FUND RAISING
Well done to Sarah Gould one of our fund raisers who raised £280 from her Waitrose green token bid. Thank you Sarah. 

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC

Best wishes to all our club members and your loved ones, we hope you are looking after one another and staying safe. Thank you to anyone who is a key worker helping our community to fight this pandemic. 

TRIALS
Sadly our trials will have to be postponed until September, dependent on advise from the Government, England Netball and local advisory groups. 
​
Information about new dates will be sent out by e mail, posted on the Facebook page and the details and application forms will be on our website. 

AWARDS
Unfortunately the awards night has been cancelled, although it is hoped that there will be some celebration of the 2019/20 season in some form or another in the future if this is possible. 

Having said that the coaches are still keen to recognise the players of the season, most improved players of the season and coaches special awards for each team. 

The coaches are busy selecting the athletes and the trophies are being ordered. Look out on Facebook to find out who has been awarded a trophy. 

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC

Coronovirus is affecting our game as it is so many other sports, activities and ways of life. Hoping members of our community stay safe and well. 

PERFORMANCE
Mid week our Netball Nights team had a good win 35-20 against league leaders Leeds Tigers, the best win so far against this strong consistent team. 
​
Our West Yorkshire Seniors pulled off a super win against Calderdale on Saturday. A close run battle resulting in a 42-34 win for our girls, including exposure for several juniors into senior West Yorkshire netball. 

The Prem team and Senior Regional did not have a game this Sunday but our Northern girls were out in force. They had a storming win against Silver swifts the final score was 50-27. 

Our U16B continue to win and remain top of their West Yorkshire League. This week their opposition was Yorkshire Terriers who gave them some good competition despite the convincing score line. Leeds Athletic took the match 41-16. 

In the U14 West Yorkshire League our girls lost 19-37 against a strong Birkenshaw Belles team. 
In the U12 second division our U12 D's played Yorkshire Terriers 2.  It was a close first half, with Yorkshire Terriers being up 2-3.  Then with great interceptions and super team work our girls came out on top, final score 13 - 5.  
The Hi5 team had another great game winning 34-1 against Calderdale. There is no stopping these superstars. 

FRIENDLIES
The U12s had friendlies at Gateways, against Grangetown on Sunday. 
The U12 B team played exceptionally well and had a great 33-9 win. It was a fantastic match for the U12 A’s against a classy Grangetown A team. The result was a loss 25-10 but our team showed lots of character and resilience.

A superb afternoon of netball on Sunday at The Edge, with the opportunity to see game play from Tameside, Oldham, Huddersfield Giants and Hatfield U16s as well as our U14 team in action against Hatfield and Oldham. Narrow losses in both matches for our U14s but two great testing games against strong opposition. 

CONGRATULATIONS
Great news, one of our U17 players Eva Locket has passed her C award umpiring test. A lengthy process involving a day course, a theory test, lots of practise, pre assessment and final practical test. Thanks to Julie Smith who mentored Eva throughout. Well done Eva. 

CORONOVIRUS 
Advice today is for netball players to be washing bibs and balls after each use. Remember to wash your hands before and after the game. 
Wash your hands as often as possible for 20 seconds. 
Watch out for changes in advice, fixtures and training which will be dependent on England Netball and Public Health Guidance. 

ADMIN MEETING
There will be a team admin meeting on Thursday 19th March 6.30am in the drama studio at GSAL. 

TRAINING KIT
Please remember as a performance netball club it is expected that athletes attend training in the correct training kit. Black loose shorts or leggings and black or LANC blue t shirt or vest. Sweatshirts must be LANC black or blue or from Nationals. 

DISNEY
Disney have closed the Paris resort until the 28th March so at present those athletes travelling to Disney in theory are still due to go. However, in reality it is likely that this period will be extended or travel to France will be restricted and insurance will pay out. At the moment it is advised that we wait for further developments so that our insurance will be triggered. Should we cancel now money will not be returned in full and insurance will not cover the cost. Should any major decisions need to be made parents will be invited to contribute to the group response. 

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC

A relatively quiet week of netball this week as no Regional matches scheduled and our Netball Nights match postponed last Wednesday. 

PERFORMANCE 
On Saturday our West Yorkshire Senior Squad had a superb win against Wakefield Wildcats taking the game by more than double and denying Wildcats of a point final outcome 57-27. Thank you our wonderful Maggie Birkenshaw for umpiring at the last minute despite her busy schedule. 

Our Prem 1 team battled hard against Tameside trying to squeeze out a win, but it was not to be despite a superb performance with grit and determination the game was lost 38-53. The score not reflecting how well Leeds Athletic girls played. 

The Northern squad continued their winning streak, a convincing 54-32 triumph against home team Brigg Blades in Scunthorpe. Sitting proud at the top of the league table with a massive goal difference of 230, after 14 games.  

The U16B team produced a super 31-15 win against Shipley As.  Improving their already massive goal difference and sitting at the top of the WY league table. 

After a tentative start, the U14s pulled off a convincing win against Huddersfield Giants this morning in the West Yorkshire League. They were 8:10 down at half time but after a rousing pep talk came out fighting in the second half and won the final quarter 13:4. Final score 29:17.

U12As had an early start against YMCA their first league game since 2nd Feb.  Final score was a good win 25-10. 
It was a great performance by the U12Ds against an older Wakefield Wildcats team. A storming start and close game that ended with a 11-8 loss.

Our Hi5 team had another great game beating Birkenshaw Bells 24-1. This is a tremendous run of results for our youngest athletes, watch out for this team!!

FRIENDLIES
‘‘Tis the season for friendlies, yet another opportunity for our U12s to get court time and extra coaching up in Giggleswick. Winning both games with scores of 16-3 & 24-4. 

On Thursday our U14s played Grangetown during their training session this week and Bury the week before. Resulting in a win and a loss, but definitely a superb opportunity to face the level of competition expected at Nationals should they qualify. 

SPECTATE
Well first of all listen to Netball Nation back on our airwaves this Friday. Listen to our Maggie Birkenshaw (that’s two mentions in this news letter) on this weekly show. 
https://podcasts.google.com/

Our Northern team are playing at 2.30pm v Shipley Swifts at Sedburgh Sports Centre, Bradford BD12 0HQ. Plenty of time to play in the morning quick bite to eat and out to support in the afternoon. Perfect Sunday!!
In Superleague - London Pulse vs Celtic Dragons - Monday March 9 - 7pm (Live on Sky Sports)

NATIONAL SCHOOLS
Good luck to all our athletes travelling with their schools at the weekend to National Schools finals. Hope the weather stays fine for you all and someone comes back to Yorkshire with a trophy. 

ONLINE KIT
Leeds Athletic kit can now be ordered online-
https://www.sportsfx.co.uk/product-category/leeds-athletic-netball/
Socks, dresses and secondhand kit are available from Claire Brennan. Please see details on the new tab on our website. 

TRAINING TIME CHANGE
The U11s training time next week has changed for one week only to 8-9.30am. Apologies for any inconvenience.
​
Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC

Lots of cancellations and fixtures being re-arranged this week. Make sure your diaries are up to date, it’s tricky keeping up!!

PERFORMANCE 
Mid week our U14 Netball Nights team faced a strong second in the league Titans team. Our girls winning at half time couldn’t quite keep up the intensity in the second half when Titans came out fighting, eventual score 26-29. 
Senior Regional girls had a masterclass in Senior netball from Reckitts who were determined from the outset, as a place for them in the Northern league was up for grabs. Leeds Athletic although keen to win the league do not have the opportunity for promotion as one team is already representing our club in the Northern League and only one team per club is allowed. The final score 58-35 did not represent how close the match really was contested or how much effort was put out on court by our team. 

The Northern League girls played against Hi Tech always a physically demanding contest it resulted in a win by a small margin 53-47. 

Western Park Blades were the opposition for the Prem team at Huddersfield University our home venue on this occasion. Despite a really tough fight the game was lost 59-47. 

U16A beat a strong effective Wakefield Wildcats 54-30 the score not reflecting how close the contest was truly played out. The As remain top of the league unbeaten with a whopping 141 goal difference and only half way through the competition. 

The U16B team had a run out versus Birkenshaw Belles 1 a great 50-9 win securing their unbeaten run in the West Yorkshire League and keeps them top of the table. 

The U14A match against Ripon Rockets was cancelled by the opposition so points gained but no court time. 
Matches on one court at Dewsbury were cancelled due to a booking error by the league. Resulting in our U12B v U12C clash, U12D playing Birkenshaw Belles and Hi5 match against Wakefield Phoenix being postponed. 

FRIENDLY
As a result of storm Ciara, school nationals x2, half term x2 and matches cancelled by the opposition, the U14A team did not have a match for seven weeks straight. Lucky for the U14s their coaches and team admin are finding good quality match play to prepare them for club nationals in May. This week it was a strong Bury team who are currently top of their North West league. A fantastic opportunity for some challenging match play and a chance to try out lots of different combinations. A win overall for Bury but a great challenge and lots of learning. 

SPECTATE
Prem and Northern teams are both away next week and Senior Regional has finished. Although not good for viewing West Yorkshire are playing Wakefield Wildcats 9am on Saturday at Freeston Academy. 

Superleague is back and there is one match available to watch  on Sky Sports. 
Monday 3rd March
7pm
Surrey Storm v London Pulse

GOLD CAPS
Fingers crossed our Gold CAPS application has been submitted. Watch this space for news how successful we have been. 

LEEDS RHINOS NPL
Many of our girls feature in the Leeds Rhinos NPL games this is U19, there is usually a small charge to watch these top quality games with future superstars of our game taking to court. Warm up matches beforehand are free and often feature Leeds Rhinos U17 and U15 teams. Lots of Leeds Athletic players are involved in all three levels of competition. Get a whole day of netball for around £4 and support your club athletes. 
Look on the Leeds Rhinos Netball website for more information. 
https://leedsrhinosnetball.net/

BOYS NETBALL
Leeds Rhinos are running a boys netball session. Get your brother, son or friend to see how it is done. 

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC

Well, what bad weather on Sunday, most matches were postponed, please look out for the reserve dates from all leagues and add them to your calendar. 

PERFORMANCE
The Netball Nights team continued their winning streak with a 25-17 win over Thundercats producing the 4th win from 4 games in 2020. 
A strong West Yorkshire squad out on Saturday morning took the win from Wakefield Phoenix. Final score 62-28. 

Also on Saturday the fabulous U12s ventured over to Manchester for the ENG tournament.  It was tough having both the A and B team in the same group, but they didn't let that stop them from being competitive, supportive of each other and giving it their all and showing true Yorkshire determination.
The A team were 2nd highest placed team after the rounds beating Kingsway Power, LANC B and only losing to Ellesmere Port (who eventually came 2nd in the whole event)
The Quarter Finals were up against Ribble Valley who were new to the event - unfortunately it was a game too many and we came home - Ribble eventually finished 3rd overall.
The B team kept fighting through all their games in the round and all of the girls did LANC proud

Travelling down to Hertfordshire our Prem team had a hard fought battle with Turnford, on equal terms throughout but the home side taking advantage in the last quarter,  final score 52-47. 

SPECTATE
Watch our Senior Regional team on Sunday 11.30am at York Sport Village, York University, Heslington York. YO10 5FG
Prem and Northern teams are away at Academy Netball club London and Sheffield respectively. 

FUND RAISING
Remember to visit Waitrose, Meanwood and put your token in the box for Leeds Athletic. The more tokens the more funds we raise. 

AUSTRALIA TOUR
Thursday night saw Lisa Fox presenting details of the upcoming tour to Australia at GSAL. Look out for the application forms sent out by e mail. 

DISNEY
All passports and EHIC forms for athletes travelling to Disneyland Paris must be submitted to Susie by Thursday please. 

Leeds Athletic Netball Club
www.leedsathleticnetballclub.org.uk
@LeedsAthleticNC